In a world that often feels disconnected and hurried, we all long for deeper, more meaningful relationships. Whether it’s stronger family ties, authentic friendships, or a sense of genuine community, the desire for connection is universal. But how do we cultivate these relationships in a way that’s both intentional and genuine?

The answer might be simpler than we think: learning to be a blessing.

This concept of blessing others isn’t just a nice idea—it’s deeply rooted in spiritual wisdom. In Genesis 12, we see God telling Abraham, I will bless you and you will be a blessing This divine instruction sets the tone for how we’re meant to live: receiving love so that we can share it with others.

But what does it mean to be a blessing? It’s more than just shallow kindness or polite gestures. To bless someone is to actively bring goodness into their life. It’s a choice we make in every interaction, to either build up or tear down, to heal or to harm.

Consider the stark contrast presented in Deuteronomy 30:19: “This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life so that you and your children may live.” This passage reminds us of the power of our choices. We can choose to be a blessing—bringing life, peace, and encouragement. Or we can be a curse—sowing division, anxiety, and despair.

To be a blessing means reflecting the character of a loving God to a watching world. It’s about treating every person we encounter as a bearer of the divine image, worthy of respect and kindness. When we choose to bless others, we join in the work of restoration, bringing healing to what’s been broken in our relationships and communities.

So how can we practically live this out? How can we become the kind of friend who consistently brings encouragement, healing, and joy into the lives of others? One helpful approach is to remember the acronym B.L.E.S.S.:

Begin with prayer: Start your day by asking God to show you the needs of those around you. Who needs a friend today? What are the hurts, hopes, and dreams of the people in your path? This simple practice can open your eyes to opportunities for connection you might otherwise miss.

Listen: In a world full of noise and distraction, truly listening is a rare and precious gift. As the book of James advises, “be quick to listen, slow to speak.” When you give someone your full attention without interrupting or rushing to give advice, you create space for real understanding and empathy to grow.

Eat together: Sharing a meal is a powerful way to build relationships. Throughout the Gospels, we see Jesus consistently using meals as opportunities for connection and transformation. The early church continued this practice, regularly breaking bread together in their homes. There’s something sacred about gathering around a table, sharing food and stories. It creates an atmosphere of warmth and openness that’s hard to replicate in other settings.

Serve: Actions speak louder than words, and serving others is a tangible way to show love. Whether it’s helping a friend move, offering your skills to solve a problem, or simply being there in a time of need, acts of service deepen bonds and create lasting memories.

Share your story: As trust grows in a relationship, there comes a time to open up and share your own experiences. This isn’t about dominating the conversation or trying to “fix” someone else’s problems. Instead, it’s about offering your own journey—including your struggles and how you’ve experienced help and hope—as a way of connecting and encouraging.

This BLESS approach isn’t a formula or a checklist. It’s a way of life, a rhythm that helps us share love authentically as we build deeper friendships. Imagine how your relationships might transform if you consistently prayed for your friends, truly listened to them, shared meals together, served them in love, and opened your heart through sharing your story.

The beauty of this approach is that it works in all kinds of relationships—with spouses, children, colleagues, neighbors, and even those we might consider strangers or “enemies.” It’s a practical way to live out the challenging command to “love your neighbor as yourself.”

As we embrace this vision for friendship, we’re not just improving our own lives. We’re participating in something much bigger—the creation of communities marked by genuine care, understanding, and mutual support. We’re pushing back against the isolating forces of modern life and rediscovering the joy of true connection.

Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “The only way to have a friend is to be one.” This simple statement captures a profound truth: friendship requires initiative and generosity. It calls us to be proactive in extending kindness and understanding to others.

So, as you go about your week, consider: Who is one person you can bless? Which part of the BLESS approach resonates most with you right now? Maybe it’s taking time to really listen to a colleague who’s going through a tough time. Perhaps it’s inviting a neighbor over for a home-cooked meal and meaningful conversation. Or it could be offering your skills or time to help someone with a project they’re struggling with.

Remember, you’ve been blessed to be a blessing to others. As you open your heart and extend yourself in friendship, you may find that you receive even more than you give. For in the economy of love, generosity multiplies, and the joy of true connection is a reward in itself.

Let’s commit to being people who bring blessings, not curses, into the lives of others. In doing so, we not only enrich our own lives but also play a part in healing the world, one relationship at a time.